Encl (2) to COMDTINST 16010.8
Vessel Traffic
Why We Act
As U.S. ports are squeezed by larger volumes of maritime and recreational vessel
traffic, the impact of the closure of a major waterway on commerce in and around these
ports becomes even more significant. A vessel grounding in a major waterway will impact
major vessel movements, passenger vessel operations, recreational users, barge traffic,
and even begin to affect local and national rail and truck transportation services.
Coast Guard efforts are key to facilitating the movement of commerce within our ports
and waterways. As such, the Coast Guard has the role of coordinating the prevention of
and responding to these major waterway incidents as we strive to preserve America's
waterways as freeways of commerce and recreation and provide every American safe and
efficient access.
Key Factors
Training, planning, preventative maintenance and other human factors continue to play a
central role in many accidents. Collisions, allisions, and groundings can all generally
be traced to inadequate vessel management, poor navigation, or failure to maintain a
proper watch. The high volume of maritime traffic in our ports and waterways leaves
little room for error, and makes every mistake potentially dangerous. Obstructions,
shoaling, and poor channel markings, less than optimal bridge span placement or design,
and low visibility weather also compound the risk of accident.
Strategies
In addition to the extensive visual and radionavigation systems it maintains, the Coast